Egypt's People, Places & Stories with Travel+Leisure-Recommended Specialist Malaka Hilton: Accommodations

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza 

This stunning hotel set along the bank of the river offers commanding views of both the Nile and the Citadel.

The 366 guest rooms and suites offer panoramic views across the Nile to the island of Zamalek and beyond, or towards the 12th-century Citadel.

Reflecting the vibrancy of modern Cairo, the airy interiors feature natural wood finishes and stylishly comfortable furnishings. Most accommodations have a private outdoor terrace for relaxing or dining, and all have triple-glazed windows to ensure that interiors remain cool and quiet.

Sancutary Nile Adventurer

The newly renovated, elegant Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer has just 32 cabins, offering an intimate and relaxed cruising experience on the epic Nile River.

Decorated in a modern, comfortable lounge style and providing gourmet cuisine and superb sightseeing experiences with the country’s most experienced Egyptologists, the Adventurer is a taste of genuine 5-star luxury on this timeless and beautiful river.

Spacious rooms and modern state of the art bathrooms are the hallmarks of each cabin. The public areas are fitted with luxurious furniture and oriental ornaments that beautifully reflect Egypt’s perfect mix of East and West.

The sun deck, with its bamboo seats and teak floors, is the perfect place for sipping on a cocktail while floating past the beauty and serenity of Upper Egypt’s timeless landscapes.

Fairmont Towers Heliopolis

Built around a stunning landscaped atrium, Fairmont Towers Heliopolis, Cairo offers visitors to Cairo the ultimate in luxury and service. The hotel is located five minutes away from Cairo International Airport. Ideally suited to the business traveler, this quiet leafy suburb provides respite from and easy access to the bustling center of Cairo and its plethora of tourist attractions.

Landscaped gardens, indoor plants, fountains, rivers, water passages, wooden pontoons, stone pillars, sand walls, and sun louvers for guaranteed ventilation and natural lighting are just a few examples of the elements of the universe and the states of change.

Egypt's People, Places & Stories with Travel+Leisure-Recommended Specialist Malaka Hilton: Itinerary

10-Day Cairo Land Program and Nile River Cruise

Escorted by Travel+Leisure Egypt Specialist Malaka Hilton

Day 1: Thursday, October 18
Arrive in Cairo - VIP Meet & Assist 

Our representative will meet and assist you through immigration formalities and customs.  You will be transferred to your hotel to check in with time to rest before the evening's events.

Sound and Light Show

Transfer to the Giza Plateau for the Sound & Light Show at the foot of the Great Pyramids.  Narrated by the enigmatic Sphinx, the show will lead you on a fascinating tour through the history of the Pyramids.  An unforgettable experience!

Overnight Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza
 

Day 2: Friday, October 19
Memphis, Sakkara & The Giza Plateau

Breakfast at hotel

Visit the Necropolis of Sakkara

The Step Pyramid of King Zoser at Sakkara is the oldest known of Egypt’s 107 pyramids & the first freestanding stone structure in the world. In the area, the tombs belonging to the nobles of the past show the beauty and excellence of Ancient Egyptian art on their walls and give an insight in the daily life of Ancient Egypt.  

Visit the City of Memphis

Founded around 3,100 BC, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis became the administrative
and religious center of Egypt, was home to a cosmopolitan community and most likely one of the largest and most important cities in the ancient world.

Lunch at Mena House Oberoi Hotel

Visit The Great Pyramids

The Great Pyramids of Giza were constructed about 2500 BC with blocks of limestone from the plateau and from the Turah hills on the outskirts of Cairo.The Great Pyramid of Cheops alone covers 13 acres of land. Ponder the fascinating mystery of their existence and explore the ancient burial chambers within.

See The Sphinx

Visit the Valley Temple, housing the mysterious Sphinx, located in what was once a quarry to the east of Chephren’s pyramid. One theory suggests this Pharaoh’s workers shaped the body into a lion and gave it their king’s face, as a guardian of the necropolis.

Cairo By Night: Dinner and VIP Tour

From the rhythmic beeping of cars in legendary traffic to knowing the best spots for local fare and a nightcap with the most interesting people-watching, Malaka Hilton escorts guests for a night on the town as only a local could.  You'll enjoy the best views of the city at night, chilling out at a shisha cafe and visit a surprise local spot for dinner.

Overnight Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza

 

Day 3: Saturday, October 20
Lecture with Dr. Zahi Hawass & Egyptian Museum

Breakfast at hotel and private audience with Dr. Zahi Hawass

Internationally renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass (you've probably seen him on the Discovery channel) will share an overview of his fascinating work as the leading authority on Egypt's archaeological discoveries as well as insights on active and ongoing excavations.

Time at Leisure and Lunch

Golf at the base of the pyramids at an exclusive club or choose from a variety of specialized shopping adventures, including a visit to the family jeweler.

Private Opening of Egyptian Museum & Mummies Room
with a walk through Tahrir Square 

Your Egyptologist will escort you on a tour of 7,000 years of history at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which includes the world-famous golden treasures from King Tutenkhamun‘s tomb.  Visit the Mummies Room, housing eleven royal Kings and Queens of Ancient Egypt, including the Great Ramses II, Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh.

Enjoy dinner on your own

Overnight Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza

Day 4: Sunday, October 21
Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Visit Islamic Cairo

The fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo starts with the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. The touir includes the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque.

Guided Tour: The Traditional Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Tour the ancient thoroughfare along some of the most traditional parts, from the massive fortified Fotouh Gate to the beautifully-designed Zuweila gate. This stretch contains more listed buildings per meter than any other street in the world. Your guide will enthrall you with explanations of passing licorice-tea-sellers, spice markets with obscure roots and magical powders, black-swathed women, and brightly-painted donkey-carts overflowing with watermelons and mangos.

Lunch at Sangaria restaurant facing the Nile River

Explore the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

The largest bazaar in the Middle East, the Bazaar was originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century. Wandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will find  stalls selling all manner of goods from woodwork, glassware and leather to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.

Afternoon is free for optional experiences in Cairo

We suggest a variety of enriching experiences in Cairo. Try a belly-dancing lesson, attend a cooking course, tour the sites with the guidance of an expert photographer or enjoy a guided tour of the Zamalek area to see the art galleries, museums, traditional open-air ahwas and European cappuccino bars.

Enjoy dinner on your own 

Overnight Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza

Day 5: Monday, October 22
Cruise Aboard the "Sanctuary Nile Adventurer"

Breakfast at hotel, before transfer to Cairo domestic airport for flight to Luxor.

Board your Nile River Cruise

Check onboard the 5-star delux Nile cruise boat, the "Sanctuary Nile Adventurer," moored in a private dock in Luxor. Onboard welcome and lunch, before starting your  tour of the East bank.

Visit The Temple of Karnak and Temple of Luxor

The Temple of Karnak was built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. The great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Temple of Luxor

Your Egyptologist will guide you on a tour of the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor dedicated to the god Amun.

Return to ship for afternoon tea and wine tasting to experience Egyptian wines.

Dinner and belly dancing, accompanied by a whirling dervish show.

Overnight onboard in Luxor

Day 6: Tuesday, October 23
Luxor to Esna

Breakfast onboard

Visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens

On the West Bank of Luxor, explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs. You will also have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens, and the very-recent discovery (April 2011) of Amenhotep II.

Private Opening of Queen Nefertari's Tomb

Long praised as the most beautifully-decorated of all the tombs on the West Bank of Luxor, the Tomb of Nefertari is a masterpiece of Egyptian art. It is hardly conceivable that such vibrant colors  have actually not been retouched since  they were first laid thousands of years ago.

As the breath of visitors can raise humidity to a dangerous level, only a privileged few guests are invited inside. *Note that a minimum number of 20 guests is required for this exclusive tour.

Visit Hatshepsut Temple

Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Ancient Egypt’s only female Pharaoh) merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it, as if nature herself had built this extraordinary monument.

Photostop: Colossi of Memnon

On the way back to the river Nile, your road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

Lunch and afternoon tea onboard while you cruise to Esna.

"Egyptian Night" dinner and overnight onboard

Tonight's dinner onboard will be an "Egyptian Night" costume party for all guests, with chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian 'galabeyyas." Dinner will be a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by music and dancing.

Day 7: Wednesday October 24
Esna to Kom Ombo

Breakfast onboard

Visit Esna Temple 

This morning, your Egyptologist will guide you round the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. 

Visit Edfu Temple

This afternoon, explore the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic – albeit Greek-built – temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu.

Egyptian cooking lesson onboard.

Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight onboard in Kom Ombo.

Day 8: Thursday, October 25
Kom Ombo to Aswan

Breakfast onboard

Visit Kom Ombo Temple

The Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

Lunch onboard, while you cruise to Aswan.

Visit Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk

Take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. Next proceed to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples, and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk.

Felucca Ride

Take a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting, life jackets provided). 

Sundowner at the new Old Cataract

After the ride, enjoy a "sundowner" at the new Old Cataract hotel, a property of legendary scale with stories of some of the world's most intriguing personalities.

Afternoon tea served in the lounge with a trio of authentic Egyptian musicians.

Farewell Gala Dinner on board.

Take a caleche to the Aswan Night Market for a fun evening of shopping.

Overnight onboard in Aswan.

Day 9: Friday, October 26
Aswan to Abu Simbel

Breakfast onboard then transfer to Aswan airport for flight to Abu Simbel.

Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel

Built by the Great Ramses II, Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh, Abu Simbel is one of the most recognizable images in the country. Actually two temples, namely the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted by the four colossal statues of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ favorite wife Queen Nefertari.

Transfer to airport for return flight to Cairo

Arrive and transfer to your hotel

Overnight Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel
 

Day 10: Saturday, October 27
Depart from Cairo

Breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Cairo international airport for departure. 

Egypt's People, Places & Stories with Travel+Leisure-Recommended Specialist Malaka Hilton: FAQs

RECOMMENDED READING

The Rough Guide to Egypt Travel Guide  

Insight Guide, Cairo

Insight Guide, The Nile   

National Geographic Traveler: Egypt by Andrew Humphries

Egypt and the Egyptians by Douglas J. Brewer

The World of the Pharaohs by Christine Hobson

Women in Ancient Egypt by Gay Robins

Valley of the Kings by J. Romer

The Cairo Trilogy by Naguib Mahfouz 

Desert Queen by Janet Wallach 

Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations, by Georgina Howell 

Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence 

The Book of the Dead by E. A. Wallis Budge  

Cleopatra’s Kidnappers by Stephen Dando-Collins 

The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt by Ian Shaw 

When They Were Pharaohs by T.H. Lawrence  

My Hope For Peace by Jehan Sadat
 

FOOD & DRINK

Food
All over Egypt, and especially in Cairo, you will find an enormous range of high-class restaurants serving international cuisine including Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Indian, French and Lebanese. There are also branches of international chains such as TGI Fridays, or J.W. Steakhouse. Fruits, vegetables and seafood are all excellent.

Egyptian food is generally similar to many other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, including stuffed vine leaves, grilled meats, and numerous "dips" traditionally eaten with pitta-style bread. Rice with vegetables in tomato sauce, and pasta dishes baked in a similar way to lasagna, are both common. Specialties include stuffed or spit broiled pigeons, shish kebabs made of marinated chunks of lamb and spices, then grilled over hot charcoal and small ground lamb kebabs called kofta.

Seafood is a good choice with prawns from the Red Sea, sea bass from the Mediterranean and a wonderful fish dish, tilapia, from the Nile.

The national dish of Egypt may be considered to be Foul Mudhammas. Ful or Fava beans are cooked in olive oil and garlic, flavoured with lemon, cumin and parsley and often served with an egg for breakfast. Egyptian food is often flavoured with mint, dill, parsley, garlic and cumin. A nice way to sample different recipes is to have a mezze, or selection of little dishes washed down with the local Zibib or aniseed flavoured aperitif (the equivalent of the Greek Ouzo, or the French Pernod). Dishes might include Babaghanoug (baked mashed eggplant flavoured with Taheena - sesame seed paste), Falafal or Taameyya (small round patties made of ground ful beans, seasoned and deep fried), Waraq Anab (vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat), Bickley or Turshi (spicy mixed pickled vegetables), Leban Zabadi (thick creamy yoghurt and very good for the digestion) and Mish, a mature cheese made into a paste and flavoured with spices.

Desserts range from regional specialties such as honey-soaked pastries like Kunafa, which looks like shredded wheat, made with rose water, nuts and sugar, and Basbousa made from fine semolina and flavoured with almonds, lemon and vanilla to the famous and uniquely Egyptian "Om Ali", a baked dish of layered pastry cooked with milk, nuts, raisins and spices. Most visitors to Egypt will have at least one chance to try traditional local cuisine as part of their Nile cruise, when one night is usually themed as an Egyptian night including a buffet of local delicacies.

Egypt has a wealth of fresh fruits such as mangoes, pomegranates, dates, figs, apricots, melons and citrus.
 

Drink

Tap water should never be drunk in Egypt. We recommend that you use bottled water, ensuring that the seal has not been broken on the bottle. Use it for cleaning teeth and remember not to have ice in your drinks.

Non-Alcoholic
Traditional drinks abound, ranging from chilled carob juice or hot licorice infusion, to thick milky concoctions filled with nuts and spices ("sahleb"). Some of the tastiest for visitors to try would include "karkady" - a rich, sweet infusion of the dark red hibiscus flower, usually drunk cold but also sometimes served hot - and "limoon" - a fresh lemonade made from the small local yellow limes, served frothy, tangy and sweet.

Alcoholic
Alcohol is available in all hotels in Egypt, and most restaurants are licensed. Bars and other drinking establishments are commonplace, and are popular with many locals as well as foreigners. In addition to the usual range of international brands, visitors can try Egyptian-made wine and beer, both of which are pleasantly drinkable.

Wine
• The "Obélisque" range is made in Egypt but with imported Italian grapes. The range comes in a tannin-rich red (Rouge des Pharaons), a light rosé (Rosetta) and a fresh, dry white (Blanc d'Alexandrie).

• The "Gianaclis" range is made with grapes from Egyptian vineyards, and has a fruity red Cabernet Sauvignon (Omar Khayyam), a delicate rosé (Rubis d'Egypte), and a fresh white Pinot Blanc (Cru des Ptolemées).

• The "Chateau Grand Marquis" is Egypt's premium range of wines, made out of the best Egyptian grapes and produced in association with French experts. The range contains a crisp, light white, an aromatic rosé, and a rich red.

Beer
Even more so than wine, the Egyptian brewing industry has recently transformed itself into an overnight success story, with many new local brands as well as big foreign names brewed under license in Egypt. Beer is mainly lager-style - try asking for some of these:
• Stella Local (regular lager), Stella Export (stronger lager), Stella Premium (dark Belgian-style lager)
• Meister (regular lager), Meister Max (stronger lager)
• Sakara Gold (regular lager), Sakara Premium (stronger lager)
• Löwenbräu - the famous German beer, locally brewed under license
• Heineken

WEATHER

Egypt has year-round sun, and almost no rain except in Alexandria, which has a more Mediterranean climate than the rest of the country. Daytime temperatures range from pleasantly warm in the winter to very hot in the summer. Northerly cities such as Cairo and Alexandria are generally about 5ºC cooler than southerly areas such as Aswan and Abu Simbel. Nights in the desert can be extremely cold.

Local average temperatures range as follows for the year (°C):

                    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Cairo High     19  21    24  28   32   35   35  35   32   30   24   21
           Low    9    9     11  14   17  18    22  22   20   18  14   11

Luxor High    23 25     29 35   40   41   41  41   39   35   30   25
            Low   5    7     11  16   21   23  24  24    22   18   12   8

Aswan High   24 30  35   39   42   41  41  40    36   30    25 25
            Low   8     9   13   17   21   24   24 25    22    9    14 10

 
 
DOCUMENTATION

Travelers to Egypt must carry a valid passport, with validity no less than six months beyond the period of their stay. The passport must contain at least two blank pages.

Travelers should refer to their closest Egyptian Embassy or consulate to check on exact visa requirements at their time of travel. However, it is worth noting that for most North America and Western European nationalities, tourist visa may be purchased upon arrival at any Egyptian international airport. 
 

SECURITY

You should keep all travel documents, travelers' cheques, cash, passports and other valuables in your hotel or cruise boats 'safety deposit boxes. Although street crime is at a minimum, as in any other country, travelers are encouraged to use common sense and not wear ostentatious jewellery. It is also advisable to carry only small amounts of money.

In general you will find people hospitable and friendly. Personal security in Egypt is rarely an issue at all, and Cairo is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Visitors can comfortably walk at night along main city streets. However, it is recommended that a tighter hold on purses and wallets is kept when wandering round bazaars; and it is advisable for women in particular to dress more conservatively out of respect for local customs when in more traditional areas or small towns.
 

HEALTH MATTERS

Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor. At the time of updating this information, there are no mandatory health requirements for Egypt, however:

• Ensure Tetanus and Polio boosters are up to date.

• Yellow Fever. You will need a valid yellow fever inoculation certificate if arriving from or via an infected or endemic area (if you are unsure whether you come into this category, please contact either your local Travel clinic or doctor).

To prevent sickness while staying in Egypt you are advised to follow the golden rules, which are:
• Only drink bottled water, never tap water
• Avoid ice in your drinks
• Eat only vegetables that have been cooked
• Avoid salads and all fruit that cannot be peeled
• Avoid food that looks as if it has been around for some time; especially meats or salad dressings containing mayonnaise 
 

MONEY MATTERS

The unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (£E), which is divided into 100 piasters. Pounds are issued in notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50,100 and 200. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 piasters. It is useful to have local currency for tipping or for shopping in smaller souks or local restaurants, and it is easy to change money at any hotel bank. US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques, which may be brought into the country. However, passengers entering Egypt with Egyptian currency exceeding 1000 USD must declare this on arrival. We suggest that you only use travelers cheques and change small amounts of money as you go to avoid having large amounts of Egyptian currency left over at the end of your trip.

Currency Exchange
There is one rate of exchange controlled by the government, established daily and available from all banks. Currency may be exchanged through banks or currency exchange houses which can be found in most major cities, and are usually open from 10am till 9pm every day of the week.

All major hotels will exchange major foreign currencies at the same rate as banks. You will be issued a receipt which must be retained to permit currency to be re-exchanged when leaving the country and as evidence that exchange of currency has been through official channels.

Egyptian pounds may be converted back to foreign currency at the airport if you have kept all documentation relating to any currency exchange transactions, such as hotel and bar bills, shopping and foreign exchange receipts.

Banking hours
Are normally 9am till 2pm, Sunday through Thursday, closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Cairo Airport and the majority of major hotels in Cairo offer 24-hrs banking services. Please remember to have your passport on you as this will be required to effect any transaction.

Major credit cards
Such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at major restaurants, almost all hotels, and many shops. American Express is less common but is still normally accepted at major hotels. Diners Club is hardly known in Egypt.

DEPARTURE TAX

The airport departure tax is currently included in your ticket. 
 

CLOTHING

As in all foreign countries with customs different to your own, it is polite to adhere to and show respect for local customs, particularly in religious places and to be discreet when a service is in progress.

Women should not wear strappy dresses, miniskirts, shorts, or low necked dresses in public places (e.g. Offices, markets and shopping areas). Modest dress is particularly important when visiting mosques, synagogues and churches. Ladies should wear loose-fitting non see-through clothes and shoulders should be covered.

When visiting mosques, ideally, ankle-length skirts or loose trousers should be worn. Shoes are not permitted inside, therefore a thick pair of socks is useful for protection from sun baked floors. Cloth shoe coverings are often available for which a small tip is payable. Shorts and beachwear should be worn only at the beach or hotel pool area.

Egypt's climate is dry all year round, so you won't require rainwear unless you are going to Alexandria between December and February. In winter you will need light woollen clothes with sweaters, although a light sweater may be useful all year-round in the evenings throughout the country.

Cairo can sometimes be surprisingly cool during the mid-winter months so layers of clothing are recommended. From December to February travellers to the interior of the Sinai can experience extreme cold, so thick winter clothing is essential. In spring and autumn a combination of both is advisable for the warm days and cool nights, so pack accordingly. From May to November, light cotton clothes are recommended.

 
WHAT TO PACK

In addition to your clothing, following the guidelines above, we recommend to pack the following:

Very good, comfortable walking shoes: You will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just comfortable, but comfortable to walk long distances.

Hats and other covering: Large brimmed hats that provide not only a head covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot Egyptian sun during summer. In addition, scarves or other apparel should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and again, or not only important for visiting religious sites, but also to keep the sun off during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth hat or scarf that can be soaked will also help keep your head cool.

Sun block: While sun blocks may be purchased in Egypt, you might prefer to bring your own favorite brand.

Sunglasses: Another item that may be necessary to avoid the direct sun rays coming direct into your eyes.

If you wear prescription glasses, bring an extra pair or at least a copy of the prescription. If you wear contact lenses you may wish to bring a pair of glasses along, as the fine sand dust in the air in Egypt may irritate your lenses.

Also useful are cool wipes and moisturizing creams to protect your face from the hot, dry climate.

Medication: Of course, bring your prescription medicine. There is no problem with bringing prescription medication into Egypt. It is also more convenient to bring your favorite non-prescription medications along.

Binoculars: Bringing your own binoculars might be a nice idea for those who like to use them.

Flashlight: To view artworks inside dimly lit tombs and temples. Pack a few extra batteries, too.

Power Adapters: Power Adapters come in two different varieties. Some electronic equipment have switches to allow you to change the power input type. For these, a simple wall adapter is all that is required. However, other electronic devices do not have such switches and in this case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter. Egypt uses 220 volt and plugs are two prong rounded.

An Extra Bag: A bag, preferably soft, which can be crunched up and carried into Egypt in another bag will be handy for most people. The bag will then be used to carry back souvenirs.

Beware: Egypt Air has been strictly enforcing excess baggage charges. To avoid these charges, you should travel on domestic flights with less than 20 kilos of checked baggage. You can deposit some of your excess luggage at the hotel for your second stay. Our representative will be happy to organize that for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.

We recommend that you bring all your own equipment and plenty of film with you into the country. We would recommend that high speed films (ISO 400) for night time photography such as the Sound and Light Shows, temple interiors and tombs where you are not allowed to use a flash. For outdoor light conditions, lower speeds are more suitable.

The best time for photography is either early morning or late afternoon. At midday there is an enormous amount of reflective light so a light meter and filter is useful as well as a telephoto lens, minimum size of 120mm is recommended. Remember to take a spare set of batteries for your camera and a dust cover or polythene bag to help protect your camera and lenses from Egypt's fine dust. A flash is useful, although you will find restrictions in certain places.

If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this.

Photographic Restrictions
There are a variety of rules governing photography of different sites and monuments in Egypt. At all open, outdoor historic areas, photography is unrestricted, such as outside the Pyramids and the temples at Luxor and Aswan. In some areas a ticket must be purchased to use cameras and video equipment (E£10-100 approx), and tripods and flashes are seldom allowed in those museums that do permit photography. At some museums and tombs you will be asked to leave your equipment in the care of the door custodian - your guide will advise you. These restrictions are truly in the interest of preservation of these fragile sites, and we request your co-operation. Postcards and slides are available at most sites. Signs are usually posted in restricted areas but if in doubt, ask your guide rather than risk confiscation of your film.

ELECTRICITY

Egypt electrical current is 220V, and sockets take the standard continental European dual round-pronged plug. If you do not have the correct adaptor with you, your hotel Housekeeping department may have one available upon request.

SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS

Shopping in Egypt can be relaxed and leisurely, at high-class souvenir stores and hotel outlets, or part of an authentic - but sometimes hectic! - Middle Eastern experience at the local bazaars and souks. Particularly in the local bazaars, a healthy amount of bargaining is expected - which means that the "best", or "correct" price is simply the one that both parties agree on during that sale. Enjoy the game!

Some of the loveliest and best value souvenirs available from Egypt include:
• Gold and silver jewelry, or "Cartouches" inscribed with your name in hieroglyphics.
• Wooden boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
• Hand-engraved brass and copper-work.
• Carved alabaster from the quarries of Upper Egypt.
• Hand-sewn appliqué work - with Arabic, Pharaonic, or "naïf" folk designs.
• Cotton "Galabeyyas" - traditional robes and kaftans, often beautifully embroidered.
• Papyrus - still made by traditional methods, and hand-painted with intricate designs.

LANGUAGE

The national language in Egypt is Arabic. However, tourists will rarely find a problem communicating as English is widely spoken in hotels and shops, with French a close second, and many staff in tourist areas also speaking German or Italian.

Language Trivia

Arabic is written from right to left, and the language itself has many different spoken dialects, some so far apart from each other that native Arabic speakers from different countries may actually have difficulty understanding each other.

The Arabic used in Egypt is the most widely understood dialect, due in large part to the fact that most of the Arabic movies are produced in Egypt. However, written or "classical" Arabic is the same across the Arab world, and is basically an older, purer form of the language.

Modern-day spoken Arabic in Egypt is vastly different in both vocabulary and grammar from the written classical Arabic that is used in newspapers, magazines and books - to the extent that if the same difference were expressed in English, it would be as if all printed material were written in Chaucerian!

This enormous variety of vocabulary in daily use in the Arab world is part of the reason that Arabic is considered such an expressive language. Native Arabic speakers also tend to have a great appreciation for the beauty of their own language, and poetry, or songs using poetic expressions, are greatly valued.

Useful Vocabulary

ENGLISH      ARABIC   
Egypt      Mus-r / Mis-r   
Good morning      Saba-hel-kheer   
Good evening      Misaa' el-kheer   
Welcome!      A-h-lan!   
Goodbye      Maa salaama   
Please      Min fad-lak   
Thank you      Shok-ran   
Yes Ay-wa       
Tomorrow Bok-ra
No      La'-a   
Tips      Bak-sheesh  
Water      Maya
Beer      Beera
How much?      Bi-kem?
That's a lot!      Kiteer awi!
Beautiful      Gameel
Wow, cool!!      Ishta!!
Never mind      Maa-lesh
Hopefully (if God wills!)      In-sha' al-lah
No problem!      Ma-feesh mosh-kela!